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Sometimes the FDA takes actions that make people nervous. Concerns about abuse of the anti-diarrhea drug loperamide (Imodium) have the agency considering restrictions on this over-the-counter product. And that has some folks worried about how they will cope without it.
Imodium for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
Q. I’ve read that the FDA is going to make it harder for people to buy Imodium. This is bad news for people like me with irritable bowel syndrome (diarrhea).
I have controlled my symptoms for years with one Imodium tablet per day. Without it, I need to be near a bathroom within 20 minutes of eating, and I need to stay seated for 10 to 20 minutes. Not fun.
This has been a cheap and easily available drug for IBS-D sufferers. I guess I need to stock up now before it becomes both expensive and hard to find.
What Is Imodium?
A. Loperamide (Imodium A-D) controls diarrhea by slowing the muscular contractions of the lower digestive tract. The agency wants to limit OTC dosage packs to eight pills, enough to treat acute diarrhea for two days.
Some people have been using high doses of loperamide to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms. Others have abused the drug in an effort to get high. It takes such high doses that people may experience irregular heart rhythms or cardiac arrest.
We have heard from many readers who suffer from chronic diarrhea. They rely on loperamide to be able to work or travel. Like you, they worry that the new regulations could raise the price and complicate their lives.
More Stories from Readers:
A.M. is frustrated by people who make it hard for others:
“Once again, drug abusers make it difficult for people who really need it.”
Carol says the new FDA plan would impact her life:
“If I have to limit my loperamide intake ( 1 per day), I would never be able to leave my house.”
Sura agrees with Carol:
“This is ridiculous. As an Irritable Bowel sufferer I need it often if I have to leave the house at certain times. I use loperamide when I travel almost every day.”
Donna in North Carolina says this drug is essential:
“My husband has an ileostomy due to ulcerative colitis/Crohn’s so he is prescribed loperamide. He can take up to 9 pills/day. Without it he would become dehydrated quickly because of the watery stool.”
What Do You Think?
The FDA wants to limit loperamide packages to 8 pills, enough for two days of treatment. Share your thoughts on this plan below in the comment section.
Qiana
I have had diarrhea since I was a little girl. I quit school at 15 because of it, and it ruined my life. Then a doctor put me on codeine to slow it down. That was the first time someone believed me and gave me something for it. It changed my life for the better. But, family did not like the codeine, so I quit that and went on Attapulgite clay. It was not as strong but it helped me. Then it was taken away because the FDA claimed it was ineffective. So, I also tried zeolite clay, which helped, but California had it banned, FDA again. So, I go on the only option I have left, and now that is being threatened because of other people abusing it.
It is not fair to do this to people who suffer from diarrhea. They keep taking away my options. Sorry if I don’t want to be a burden and have to sit on a toilet all day. People die all the time from different OTC drugs. Where does this end? And why punish drug abusers? They need it for their own reasons. If it makes them functional as well, what is wrong with that? That just boosts sales, which is what they want. There must be a different reason that they want to take this drug away. Is it because they found out it might help with cancer? Just like Zeolite? Maybe even the Attapulgite. Big pharma must use it in turn to make even more money. I don’t know, but I can’t figure out why all of a sudden Loperamide is now a problem when it was around for 30 years. And I know they don’t really care about our deaths.
So, I am angry and confused. Because if this keeps up I may have to go back on codeine, which is something way stronger than Loperamide. This is just so stupid and senseless. Stop punishing people who have diarrhea. We have it bad enough, ok. At least give us something stronger than Pepto-Bismal. But wait, Pepto might cause bleeding because it’s like aspirin. Now take away aspirin because it makes your stomach bleed, although it can help against heart attacks. So, can Loperamide get back to bottles and not cost a bundle if I take a coated aspirin with it? Sorry to people like me about my rant, I am not that bright, but we share a horrible condition. So, I hope it can be at least a little useful.
Pat
I too take loperamide/imodium daily. I’ve tried modifying my diet…all those other things, and this is all that works. Like others, I can’t go anywhere if I don’t take this stuff. It is the only thing that works.
LJ
I encountered this foolish restriction when I went to a discount chain store to buy loperamide. I have chronic IBS, and my doctor several years ago suggested regular doses with meals. I take 3 a day. This store sells them in the %@@%@%% $$^$^$@ blister packs at 36 per box. That’s a paltry 12 day supply.
Their “recommendation”?? Get a prescription. Crazy. Pay a $200 copay to be allowed to buy $4.50 of an OTC drug per month for 6 months. So instead of < $5/month, my cost would now be $37.83 per month – a nearly 10x increase (because the doc will want to see you every 6 months.) "Oh, they'll just call it in for you." Not my doc.
I also take pseudo-ephedrine and have to do the dance with that,too.
Arrrrgh!
Joan
Calif
I just ran out of my stock that I had bought from Costco. I too suffer from IBS and take at least 1 everyday just to be able to get out of the house. Just went to Costco only to find out they have them behind the counter now and can only buy one box of 36. I use to buy a box of 2 bottles with 200 tablets in each for less than $6. OMG what next. Restrictions on vitamins? I mean come on. At the rate we’re going everything will be under lock & key. Addicts are gonna find anything to make them high. The FDA should leave certain things alone. This being one of them. Ridiculous!
Leslie
Las Vegas NV
I have had IBS-D since I was in my 20’s. I’m now almost 70. In my 20’s and 30’s I would literally drink bottles of Pepto Bismol! Finally, in my 40’s, I got over my embarrassment and found the nerve to talk to my doctor about this medical issue. Thankfully, he gave me a prescription for Imodium. I remember my insurance carrier did not want to cover the cost. However, my doctor was kind enough to write a letter on my behalf, and my health insurance authorized full payment for my ongoing prescription. Years later, the generic Imodium (loperamide) became available, and I have had a prescription for it all these years. I don’t know how I would function without it!!! I still have problems between diarrhea and constipation because it’s very difficult to judge how many loperamides I should take daily. It remains a “hit and miss” problem! However, without the medication, my life would be much more difficult. This is the first I have heard the FDA is thinking of limiting our access to this drug!! Ridiculous! Thankfully, I have a prescription, and hope the FDA will stay out of my business. I suggest anyone with health insurance attempt getting a prescription and I wish you all the best in your efforts to control this horrible disease.
James
FL
I have a colostomy, 11 years now, I take 2 before each meal to help slow down the digestion or I have issues. Even at that rate it doesn’t always help and as you can imagine it can be a real problem when traveling. I’m very careful about what foods I eat and how much, a large salad or just a little too much fruit and even imodium won’t help. The high cost of imodium in the much smaller packages is just not right for those of us who need it. I found 200 caplet bottles on Amazon for $13.95 and purchased 6 of them, they still have some left for those that can afford to stock up. Some vendors are selling their product at about $1.00 per caplet trying to take advantage of the situation. Alternative treatments just won’t work for some conditions so i will just have to deal with it.
Sandy
Augusta,Ky
I suffer from Crohn’s disease and Irritable bowel. I usually have to take 4 pills to make it go away. With the prices as they are now, I have to stay home more where I can be close to a bathroom. So all they are doing is making people who really need it home bound. This isn’t fair.
Nancy
TX
I also have IBS-D and take generic Loperamide, one a day, for maintenance. I am just now finding out that it is being taken off the shelf. This is horrible for me. I am 70 and have had IBS-D since I was 20, and loperamide is the only thing that has helped me, made it so that I can actually have a life. I am scared.
Kathy
Nashville Tennessee
I have an ileo-anal jpouch due to FAP. I have controlled the diarrhea with lopermide 2mg associated with this for 24 years. The recommendation is 8 per day. Yes that is very high, but a jpouch is very difficult to controI. I used to get a month’s worth at Walmart for less than $25 With these new government restrictions, I can’t get put 8 pills at a time, so I got my doctor to write a prescription so I can get a month’s worth. When I went to the hospital’s outpatient pharmacy, they wanted to charge me $313…. for something that was less than $25 a month or two ago. Of course, my prescription insurance would not cover it since it is OTC. Since I am an employee at this university, they were willing to cut the price to what they paid which was $76.80. They said the manufacture recently increased their prices. My only option is to get a prescription for lomotil which has a scheduled V controlled substance in it & stay “drugged” all the time.
Nancy
14086
Government wants to limit Imodium, to 8 pills per pkg? No way. I have IBS and have to take one of these an hour before I eat twice a day. Have been doing this for around 40 years????? Let the dimwits that want to try getting high on this stuff just not be able to poop because they do this. Crazy
Ivan
Alpharetta Ga.
I have had IBS-d for years. Taking loperamide is the only medicine I have found to slow the colon. I did take a drug called Lotronex back in 2008. UHC would not pay for it after a year saying Studies had not been done on men only women. Does that seem a little prejudice . Then I found loperamide in Imodium and they then added something that did not agree with me. I had to change again. I pray you do not get IBD-d. But to my understanding, it can happen at anytime.
Ed
AZ
My son takes 2 in the morning and 2 at night to help control diarrhea. He has Hirschprung’s Disease and had 2/3 of his colon removed a few months after birth. The ability to buy larger quantities at once are a time saver and cost saver!
John
California
This is far more than just dim-witted and intelligence-challenged government actors blindly and stupidly applying a one-size-fits-all solution to a drug abuse problem. This is blatant and callous disregard for those who are suffering from disabling IBS on the part of a government agency that is charged with helping the sick and disabled. Rather than merely vent our anger here, we must contact our local political representatives, the media, our health care networks, and everybody else who should stand up against this irresponsible misuse of governmental authority.
All it would take to intelligently deal with the Immodium drug abuse problem is to make the drug a PRESCRIPTION DRUG. WE NEED TO DEMAND ACTION NOW !!!!!!!!!! MAKE PHONE CALLS!! WRITE EMAILS !!!!! WRITE LETTERS!!!! WE MUST ACT AND ACT NOW !!!!!! There is no excuse for a USA government agency causing so many people to be home-bound and disabled over this issue.
james
CA
I have big issues controlling my bowels. I use 8 loperimide caps three times a day. So far, my loperimide bill has gone up about six-fold.
IHeartOnlineShopping
California
I too am worried about the limits on Loperamide. It’s already increasingly difficult to find in my area, and when you find it, they only allow you to purchase 1 box of 24 pills. I take Loperamide daily to help manage my IBS. A box of 24 pills is a ridiculously small amount.
Like many others I don’t use drugs, drink, or even have caffeine in my system. The fact that I should continually have to suffer because of teenagers abusing a medication is ludicrous. I didn’t commit the crime, so why should I have to suffer the consequences? Besides, if a teenager really wants to get high, drunk, stoned, or abuse Loperamide, they will always find a way to do it, even when you limit the amount that can be purchased.
Sonya
Georgia
Just like everyone else on here, I am scared. Scared of what is going to happen with the Loperamide. I am not a druggie. I don’t not smoke or drink. Why can’t the government regulate cigarettes and alcohol…those hurt people. Loperamide was cheap, readily available and it worked. Because of a few, the masses who need this medication will suffer.
We will not be able to walk into a store, pay a reasonable price and take it the way it helps us best. I cannot tell you how upsetting it is to me that we, as sufferers we have been forgotten! I have spent the last several days trying to buy up what I can find and I can tell you it’s almost gone. A decision made by some government official is going to change my life and make me home bound.
BRENDA
Colorado
This is ridiculous. I just read this article and I too am outraged. I have had IBD-D most of my adult life, not as severe as some of the people that posted, but it does interfere with my life somewhat. I take as needed, not every day but when I get a flare up. Try searching online, I just did and found some at Amazon.
I don’t think someone like Geoff Bezoz will capitulate to the FDA or anyone else until they make it law or illegal to be sold. In the meantime, we should all get together and file a petition to the FDA and congress. Dr. GRAEDON, CAN YOU HELP?
clayton
TX
due to a medical condition, I take 3 or 4 daily and have for years. I cant leave the house or get to work without it. I have been noticing that you cant hardly buy it anywhere. are there any alternatives?
Jorge
Queens, NYC
I had my large intestine completely removed 20 years ago at the age of 23 in a preemptive attempt to stave off cancer. I take 8-10 loperamide tablets every single day. Without these pills, I don’t know how I am going to be able to function in society. As it is, I go to the toilet 7-8 times a day on average WITH the pills. Without them, my record was 27 times in a 24-hour period.
Isn’t there something all of us, and many more people like us, can do to compel THEM to make bulk quantities of loperamide hydrochloride available to us even if it requires a doctor’s note?
Brandie
NC
I’ve been dealing with chronic diarrhea for more than 10 years now. Immodium is the only thing that works. I don’t work; I hardly ever eat out at restaurants, and when I do I HAVE to drink a dark wine, and I HATE wine. When I have errands to run or have to out in public for any reason I always make sure I know where the bathrooms are, and I DON’T eat at all till I get home and don’t have to go back out. My husband is a pastor of a church, and I barely get to go because it gets bad, and the Immodium doesn’t do the job. Forget fellowship dinners. I know this won’t change the FDA and their decision. I just want others to see that it’s a serious issue for us. It’s not just the poops. It’s life-affecting and not in a good way.
Robb
Hawaii
This is insane. I’ve been taking these in large quantities daily for the last 12 years. Every since I lost my large intestine. I have a Jpouch now, and this is the only thing that works. I had no problem the last 11 years, and within the last year, it has been on lock down. I think I’m slowly going crazy. Costco just pulled everything off the shelves, and now I’m resorting to the local pharmacy and the inflated prices. I’m either going to go broke on diarrhea meds or never leave the house because I can’t be far from the can. This is fuming crazy. I told my doctor to prescribe a large amount so I would feel better, and he denied my request and wrote me a list of THEIR insanely dangerous meds that are way more harmful. This sucks.
Ken
Forida
Robb, I had the same operation 17 years ago and I too went to Costco for my Kirkland loperamide. I take 6 pills a day and if I miss one of my doses then I have to add an extra one to get it back under control. This is so infuriating because you know it’s the government stooges and the drug companies lining their pockets. Meanwhile millions of people with GI problems are wondering how to get the vital drug that they had been getting relatively and cheaply. Now we can’t even get the amounts we need, let alone the cost. Oh and it’s the worst of all worlds, it’s now expensive and insurance companies won’t cover it because it OTC. I’m really not sure what to do.
Lia
CA
I can’t find any where I live that are inexpensive. I have colitis since age 19 and I’m 50. I take up to 10 on a bad day.
Because of a few people am I now going to have to stop living my life. See my family go out and me have to stay home. Thank you gov tell me why are we still able to buy booze and cigarettes.
It’s not fair to us the people that jave real issues.
Bender
California
This is utter nonsense and another irresponsible move from the FDA. If people want to overdose on Imodium, let them. Those of us who actually NEED the drug to control our IBS are more important than a bunch of moron drug addicts. This drug is the only thing allowing me to actually function in society. Hey FDA, you want to pay all of my bills and rent because youre taking away my vital meds? Idiocy beyond compare.
Ted
California
I have had a complete colectomy and require at least two Imodium pills per day. My cost for 400 generic pills from Costco went from around $5 to $75. This is just another case of the tail wagging the dog. A minority of people who are abusers affect a great number of people who rely on this medication to live a normal daily life. I do not want to have to go to a stronger opiate and an expensive prescription in order to get the relief I require.
Mike
Ilinois
As a j-poucher I use a lot of Imodium. My surgeon recommends 2 before every meal and 2 at bed time. Sometimes I use more than that. I’ve been getting a 2 pack of bottles at a discount store for the best price, but I ran out the other day and tried to get some at another discount store. They would only sell me one of the two bottles I wanted! So it begins!
Christina
WA
This is a terrible idea. Any drug can kill you if you use it incorrectly. Tylenol for example will destroy your liver if you OD. Taking a maintenance dose of loperamide is one of the most important tools to control my IBS and give me something resembling a normal life. Restricting access to loperamide is not going to solve the problems we are having with opioid addiction and death. Access to medical treatment for addiction might. But that is another story. DO NOT RESTRICT loperamide, millions with GI disorders will suffer more than we already do.
Donald
Miami, FL
I have been taking 9 Imodium (generic) tablets a day for 30 years to control colitis related diarrhea. I am horrified to learn of this FDA action. How DARE they. Not having my Loperamide will mean that I cannot leave the house, work, or go to church. I might as well die.
Lilleth
wake county nc
Absurd plan. Not only do people with IBS need this mild drug. When people are sick with infections it can be a lifesaver. Ridiculous.
Captainr9k
All I’m going to say is that your body wants that stuff out for a reason, and if you find yourself using Imodium frequently (with no easily identifiable reason or diagnosis), please see a doctor.
Chris
North Carolina
I understand what you are saying as I have had food poisoning more than once, and yes “that stuff needs to get out” of a person. On the other hand, I also have Irritable Bowel Syndrome-D, which is a motility problem and nothing to do with “bad stuff” in your bowel. Thanks.
Margaret
Apparently you do not have microscopic colitis. It causes watery diarreah up to 20 times per day.
Penelope
Florida
It seems every time that bug Pharma finds a pill they want to sell, they find a way to proscribe a tried and true, inexpensive medication that is now generic! They are the most profitable sector of the US economy–on the backs of sick people and Medicare. How can we get them out of the business of being the fox guarding the hen house of our medical system?
Pauline
North Carolina
My husband has Pulmonary Fibrosis and is on the drug Ofev. It is a godsend and he is now off supplementing oxygen. Unfortunately, the main side effect is chronic diarrhea. Imodium is the best drug he’s taken for it. Even the generic Imodium, does not work as well. He takes it on an as-needed basis which is certainly not every day. However, it’s something we keep a good supply of on hand. I would hate to have to run to the drug store every few days to replenish our supply.
Janne
Alabama
There are SO many more responsible users of loperamide than abusers. 8/pkg is too few.
Chris
Well said.
Laurie La B
Arizona
I have a bad case of IBS. It rules my life. Can’t go out all day anywhere. I don’t like taking meds but if I get invited to eat out, Imodium is a life saver. Even then I only take 1/2 a pill.
This is a terrible disease. I had a bad case if UTI that the drs. Couldn’t clear up. A friend cleared it with essential oils and herbs. And feels she can help with ibs. My dr. was very impressed with the results and said to stay on the oils. So there are different ways to help our health problems so we don’t have to depend on drugs.
But Imodium is helpful and it is a shame that a few people have to abuse it, so it isn’t available to those who can’t find anything else that works.
Richard
Homosassa, FL
I have IBS controlled with 2-4 pills per day. My nearest pharmacy is a 2-hour round trip. Limiting my purchase will mean spending the rest of my life commuting to the drug store.
In trying to abolish every substance that can be abused, FDA is acting like a Biased tyrant. If they really wanted to protect people from dangerous drugs they would limit access to sugar.
Children can be abused. When is FDA going to limit human reproduction?
Sharon
California
Is this truly happening? Or just a proposal? As seen by these comments, this is an essential otc solution. Who can we contact to combat this ruling?
Jorge
Is there an FDA website where people can post their concerns?
Mary
Raleigh
I am troubled with IBS and once I read in your column about peppermint oil I started taking that before meals and it really works for me. Better than taking chemicals.
Doug
Philadelphia Pa
We will NOT control drug abuse by regulating. We need treatment. A recovering alcoholic.
Husie
South Carolina
Hallelujah ! * I wished I’d found a penny every time I heard that said in conversations across this country ( USA ). The f.d.a. appears to jump up & down in glee every time they stop Americans from using proven old time remedies , especially if there’s a big pharma, prescription needed product available. American Citizens do not need a government agency to baby us !
ray
Sounds like FDA has failed us again. It’s not like somebody is gonna take them if not need and be constipated. They should be more concerned with fast track med to market because big pharma gave some money.
Anon
U.S.
My mother has struggled with chronic diarrhea for 30+ years. Now that she has dementia and is under my care, I have consulted with her doctor and she is now taking 2 OTC loperamide a day, as PRESCRIBED. And when she had to be hospitalized last year and they didn’t believe she really needed them, well, they learned.
I wonder if an Rx will be a way to get around the FDA recommendations.
Julia
Seattle
I have Crohn’s disease and an a high output ileostomy. Without 4-6 pills daily of Imodium I couldn’t work or leave the house. Will you please forward these comments to the FDA?
Nancy
Illinois
I have IBS which got so severe I was hospitalized. I am 76 yrs. old and the diarrhea became so severe that my potassium levels dropped to a dangerous level because of all the nutrients I was losing. I had to have potassium infusions to replenish and bring my levels within a normal level. The anxiety that ensues with the fear of having a bout of diarrhea is not “fun”.
Loperamide is the only thing that helps to get the diarrhea under control. One can overdose on anything including aspirin and Pepto Bismol for that matter. The FDA should focus on more serious issues not Imodium. This absolutely ridiculous!!!
Diane
Houston,TX
It baffles..no..infuriates me that a diarrhea treatment, a vital quality of life med for so many, would be restricted.
I have had occasional, (horrendous) bouts of IBS-D..as in being admitted to an ER for IVs and treatment. It can be dreadful and embarrassing.
My husband recently died of cirrhosis, a horrible but avoidable death stemming from an addiction. I never noticed bars being closed or alcohol being made unavailable. This is why after 3 rounds of unsuccessful treatment last fall for a serious respiratory infection, that lasted many weeks, I was FINALLY given a scrip for codeine cough syrup..$170 a bottle!…and was told by the Walgreen’s pharmacist Medicare “doesn’t like” to cover cough meds!! Ridiculous.
Lilleth
wake county nc
Amen.
Sally
Years ago after gall bladder surgery I never returned to “normal.” I take a prescription medicine, Cholestid. The generic is called Colestipol. It’s actually an older medicine used to reduce cholesterol. It’s a bile acid sequestrant, meaning it helps bind bile acids. One of the side effects is constipation. It really helps me be “normal” but it interferes with absorption of other medications and fat soluble vitamins, so timing is a bit tricky. I use Imodium AD as a substitute when I need to be more flexible and also as a daily addition to the Colestid (Questran is a similar drug. I’m not sure if it’s still available.) I am very concerned about the FDA’s plan to limit the amount to 8 at a time!
cb
After having diarrheal issues for the past 15 months, it has been imperative that I have Imodium AD. It is a crime that the agency charged to help us (FDA) is a huge roadblock to so many because of their own ignorance. Putting the kabosh on the ability to buy Imodium for those of us who desperately need it is absolutely foolish and idiotic. Why does an agency which is supposed to help just abuse its power the way the FDA does? Not fair at all.
Franny
Sorry, I was asking about the use of Lomotil.
Franny
So Cal
I do not have diahrrea but lose a very small amount of stool occasionally due to a “leaky bowel”. I have used Imodium for travel but never on a daily basis. I’m thinking perhaps a very small amount daily along with a high fiber diet will control my symptoms of leaky bowel, and I’d love to hear anyone else with this problem and how they handle it.
Thanks
Mike
Wi
This is ridiculous. I wouldn’t be able to afford it. I use it everyday. I hope they reconsider this!
Becky
California
Ah yes, the FDA wants to restrict/regulate Loperamide (Imodium A-D)? Shocked? Surprised? Ha!
Sorry to all you diarrhea sufferers but welcome to the world of patients in PAIN!
This is just ANOTHER “drug addict” excuse by our government to interfere in OUR quality of life — all because of those who cannot deal with real life & choose to abuse drugs & these addicts will abuse/misuse absolutely ANYTHING — legal or illegal — prescribed or over-the-counter!
The government’s “regulations” have raised the price & complicated OUR miserable pain-racked lives so you might as well join us — we too are amazed that we are punished because of drug addicts.
Can’t wait to see what’s next.
Kit
Massachusetts
I’ve had Crohn’s Disease for 35+ yrs. Immodium (I use the generic Loperamide) is the ONLY thing that stops my diarrhea – which I have several times a week. I often need to take up to 6 at once to get it to stop. I have no idea what I’ll do if the day comes when I can’t get it. I NEVER leave the house without it. Why do people with REAL medical problems have to always suffer because others want to get high from the drug they legitimately need? Also, I’ve been taking it as I said for many, many years and never even ONCE did I get any kind of “high” feeling!!!
ray
You 100% right. I am 64. I use my med with common sense. Government has drs scared to write stuff. I been on and off valium 50 yrs. I do just fine taking 5mg once at night. Rarely but sometimes 2 a day. Yet, they so addicted dr won’t hardly write them. I would be dead or addicted after 50 yrs of use but you got use your head which the government thinks we cant think for ourself.
Kitty
Texas
Absolutely ridiculous! And you can bet your bottom dollar that the drug lobbyists will raise the price by ten, and the insurance companies will add a sky high copay! This is out of hand! Why don’t they regulate something that needs regulating like fraudulent doctors who prescribe opiates instead of penalizing the good folks like us.
nancyM cassick
New York
I sure hope this doesn’t happen. I buy the largest container of Imodium over the counter that I can find so I do NOT ever run out. I buy store brands because those are the cheapest. I take two per day before a meal, and it helps soooo much. Have had to do this for over 40 years. Nothing else helps. I have insurance but still, if I used my insurance the co pay is way more then what I pay now for store brand. What is to stop these people trying to get high from using ANYTHING? Would the government also step in if people started to drink cooking vanilla extract at 4 bottles a day? There is booze in vanilla!!!!!!!!
Tina
Florida
I suffer from chronic IBS and depend on loperamide to be able to simply leave my house in the morning. The FDA needs to back off any ridiculous plans they may be formulating regarding this drug.
Dela
Illinois
I was diagnosed with “spastic colon” (IBS) in my 20’s and didn’t have much of a problem until I reached the age of 60, at which time the bathroom “episodes” began to get worse. Slippery Elm capsules taken daily have greatly improved my symptoms, and a teaspoon of Bentonite Clay powder mixed with some orange juice does the trick whenever the symptoms worsen. No side effects from either of these natural remedies.
P. Stevens
California
People are always seeking a way to get high, and they will continue to search out ways to escape reality. It’s ridiculous that others have to pay the price of someone’s refusal to grow up and be responsible. However, that’s the way it is. We have to accept that, right? Or do we? Make your voice heard! Write and let the FDA know how you feel. Write your congressman, write, write, and write! If for no other reason than at the very least your thoughts count. Isn’t that what America stands for?
Bird
What address to we write to to let the FDA know they are totally off-base on limiting Loperamide? I have fibromyalgia along with a number of other issues. Loperamide is essential when I have flares, which can last several days, be intermittent or infrequent.
My mother who is 94 could not leave the house ever if she did not have loperamide.
This is crazy. When Sudafed was made prescription only, it made sense. This does not.
KM
Washington state
As someone who has used generic Sudafed for more than 20 years, I think it is upsetting to think that it is OK to restrict my drug, but not yours. I have chronic allergies year round and cannot take any antihistamine without side effects that restrict my quality of life and recently have learned that they are all likely to increase my chance of getting dementia of some kind (Alzheimer’s runs in my family.) And I don’t like the potential side effects-some permanent-of nasal sprays and such. So I am really glad that pseudaphedrine is only restricted in my state, not banned or requiring permission from a doctor. I can breathe and think (chronic congestion leads to fuzzy mind) thanks to this restricted drug.
Maggie
Florida
I am a cancer patient, on Chemo. The treatments cause very frequent severe diarrhea. Without loperamide it would be impossible for me to leave my house. I’m sure there are many others who are in this same, or similar, situation. If the FDA follows through with their plan to regulate this drug, it would be supremely unfair and debilitating to people like me, who depend on it for a small semblance of normalcy in our lives. In other words, it is a necessity for some of us–we are not all abusers!!!
Glenn G.
Wisconsin
This is one of the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Why don’t they spend their time doing something productive about opioid addiction or mental health?
I could not live my busy life without Imodium everyday. If I didn’t have it I would be tied to my toilet.
Nancy
NJ
I use Imodium regularly when traveling or going out to eat. I do not agree with having it hard to get because drug abusers are creating problems. Why do normal people who maintain good drug habits have to suffer because of those who abuse?
Faye C.
Fort Walton Beach
My Son takes them every day for his dirrrea he could not work with out them. I have it, too, but I don’t take as many tablets.
Linda P
Pennsylvania
Ridiculous.
Sue
Reidsville, NC
This is ridiculous. For the few idiots who abuse a drug trying to get high,thousands and thousands of people who need it and don’t abuse it have to put up with the FDA making it unreasonably hard to get!!
meg
Virginia
Why is it impossible to find kaopectate? That used to be what was prescribed for chronic and occasional diarrhea. In addition, the focus should be aimed on the reasons so many folks suffer from chronic conditions like IBS or colitis. Even if we eat a healthy diet, we are still constantly bombarded with toxins.
tomcat
Garner
We always buy the liquid form because it’s faster-acting than the tablets. Will these restrictions apply to the liquid dosage also?
JagT
California
This is what is wrong with the FDA: they punish people who truly need certain medications because others are abusing it, as in the opioid decision. Find a way to make people responsible for their own actions, and stop harming those that these drugs are meant to help. Put the drug back as a prescription if you must, and make sure it’s available to those who need it at the same price as now, if not a lower price. I have IBS but not as bad as many. I still don’t know what I would do without this drug on the days I need it.
H
MD
I have IBS, but rarely have diarrhea. When I do, activated charcoal solves the problem.
Mary
Fairfax, VA
What about plain Imodium, not Imodium A-D? Will it be limited too? Also, how accurate are the expiration dates? Is it wise to stock up now?
I think this is outrageous! People’s lives will be crippled, and traveling will become impossible for many.
Terry Graedon
All OTC loperamide will be affected. You probably should check expiration dates when you purchase, but so far as we know the drug does not become dangerous after it expires. It might become a little less effective gradually.
Linda
Helena MT
If the restrictions go into effect, I hope it will be possible for doctors to prescribe higher dosages for their IBS(D) and other patients requiring higher doses. Otherwise, this will be a prescription for more disabilities!
Louise
North Carolina
I absolutely need an anti-diarrhea medication for IBS-D. Why is FDA limiting?
Cara
Coupeville
I have IBS. Imodium helps me get out once a week. I take a pill, and then I can leave my house without fear. I rarely take it more than once a week, but sometimes as many as three a week. The FDA should not stop IBS sufferers from being able to get this pill just because people abuse it and use it in a way for which it wasn’t intended. That’s like stopping car production because some are used as get-away cars in robberies.
Carolyn
Texas
I had IBS-D, I’m quite sure. I can’t be far from a bathroom. My gastroenterologist had no good answers for me — just told me to take a steroid that cost $3000 a month. It made my hair fall out! I quit the steroid and found another answer.
I tried something new. I went to a group of Chiropractors in Houston TX who specialize in curing health problems without drugs, referred to as a Wellness clinic. They also have advanced degrees in nutrition or something like that. They ordered a blood test that took 7 vials of blood by a laboratory. Then put me on a strict diet – no sugar, no dairy products except butter, and no gluten. I was to eat only grass-fed meat, chicken, and fish, and vegetables. They also provided vitamin supplements in great quantity. I couldn’t have caffeine for six months. Within 6 months, I no longer had diarrhea. I still don’t unless I eat something I shouldn’t. It was hard to give up pizza, cheese, bread, desserts, etc., but worth it to be normal again. I recommend this solution to chronic diarrhea!
Bob
New Hampshire
I think it’s disgraceful that the drugs people need are being restricted to “protect” abusers and addicts. This is crazy. Abusers and addicts will simply find another drug to use, and those needing these medications will be left without help. How is it that the needs of the majority are now subverted to the needs of a minority of abusers and addicts who need help?
elithea
florida
Not only chronic! I get syncope maybe only a couple of times a year and generic Imodium always fixes it instantly! Sometimes it’s the only thing that allows me to go to/stay at work but happens very seldom. Guess I’m going to have to go out and stock up for the decades remaining to me. (Wish I’d done that with albuterol when I had the chance, also something I needed only a few times a year, but who knew?) Now I just have to get by with generic benadryl and mucinex, only on a much more regular basis.